CESS
He’s a dragon. I’ve been having sex with a dragon. I’m in love with a dragon. This is the twilight zone. I just know this can’t be real. Who the hell would believe me? If I just could have stuck with my plan. I drag myself out of bed, heading for the bathroom. Draken should never have come to talk with me. He asks me to leave my family. I need a shower, to cry. As I walk into the bathroom I look in the mirror, only to see flashes of my dream coming back. He must have been trying to tell me then. I climb into the shower and shock my body to life with the water, letting it warm from cold to hot. I need this, and my tears won’t stop. How can I choose? When I’m done, I stagger out of my room, dragging myself to my closet, and put on a sundress. I head to my dance room and crank up the music, dancing my pain away. I will never stop loving him. I dance, it seems for hours, and when I curl up on the floor I’m dripping with sweat. I hear footsteps. I can’t see Draken again.
“Hey Cess, don’t tense up, it’s just me coming in,” I recognize this voice; it’s Showken, who is also a dragon.
“Please leave, I don’t want to talk,” I say, turning onto my belly. I fill tears forming again. I can’t keep crying. It’s over.
“Cess, do you love my brother, forget that he’s a dragon. Just, do you love him?”
“Showken, yes, I love him, but he is a dragon and so are you, so leave.”
“Cess, you need to decide and make it fast. I hate to see my brother in pain. Cess, you can’t just walk away like this. You belong with Draken. The sooner you accept this, the better it will be for both of you.”
“Showken, I can’t leave my family, you’re asking me to give up something that I can’t.”
“My brother is making a sacrifice for you, get your shit together and come to my land.”
“Fuck youuuuu!” I yell. “I don’t and will not do anything you or anyone says. This is my decision and I’ve made it. I’m staying in my own land.” I stand to look him in the eye. He glares back, and then gives me a huge smile.
“You and Draken are a lot alike, he, too, gets pissed like you, but Cess, I will tell you what others won’t. You are connected to my brother, and soon, because of all the physical activity, you will look different.”
“What? You’re kidding right. I mean not like a dragon?”
“No, that is our birthright, but you will gain something, Cess, just come with me. Please?”
“You have to be kidding me, my family, you asshole, I will not leave them wondering if I’m dead. You are just as selfish as Draken, get the fuck out of my house.”
“Nope.”
“What?”
“I said no, Cess, my brother has made it known to my family that he wants to die if he can’t have you.” I can’t believe my ears. Did he just say die?
“You mean Draken is going to kill himself? Over me? He should marry his fiancée, and that other woman wants him, too, so his options are wide,” I snap. They want to give me a bag of bricks like I caused this. He knew better, I thought he was human, he led me on and now I should feel sorry? What about me? My feelings don’t count?
“I mean, we would have to kill him, and I can’t kill my brother. If Draken wants to die all the siblings must circle him and burn him all at the same time, sending out our most intense fire. I can’t do that, and if I have to throw you over my shoulder, I will. I will not kill my brother, not for him, you, or even the law of my land,” Showken says, with a seriousness I’ve never seen in him before. I look close and he is teary-eyed. I don’t want Draken to die, but if I leave, my mother and father will be hurt, but my brother would die, also. He is my twin, my best friend, and if I vanish, so will he, in his mind. I’m not going to let Showken bully me.
“Draken doesn’t know you’re here. You will not drag me because he won’t allow that, I know that much after the thing with Scott, and I love Draken, but you will not trick me with the lame excuse he is going to kill himself.”
“Lame, Cess, get real, I’m not lying to you. In fact, I was the one who said “date my brother for six months, have a good time”. You fell in love, and so did he. Now, I will give you time to think, and you’re home now by the way.”
“I’ve been home for a while now. What are you talking about, Showken?”
“Cess, I’ll never tell. Be back after your final tomorrow.”
“Bye, Showken, and I’ll call you.”
“See you tomorrow, Cess,” Showken says, both brows arched. He looks as if nothing I say can ease his pain, he will be by again with that “Draken is going to kill himself.” Draken would not do that? Oh wait, his brothers would kill him, yeah right. I’m not falling for that bunch of bull crap. He would not give up everything for me. I hate Showken for even saying that. There is no way . . . would he? I mean, I feel strongly about Draken; I love him, very much, but give up my life? I wouldn’t do that. He would leave his parents, brothers, land, and business all for me. I hate that I love you, Draken. Now, I have to think. I need to take my final tomorrow, that I didn’t get a chance to study for, and I don’t think I can with these thoughts. I need to talk with D. I go on the hunt for my twin. I need him right now. I can’t tell him the truth, but I could get some sort of advice. I find D in the media room, watching one of his favorite movies. I go in and take a seat next to him. I put my hand in his popcorn, shoving a handful into my mouth, thinking I might as well watch with him. D will not stop watching “Once Upon A Time in Mexico,” he doesn’t want anyone to know this, but I do. I sit and laugh at the movie with D, eating popcorn and sharing his soda. I realize, never doing this again with my twin is too much to ask. I love my brother, heck, we shared a womb. I don’t think Draken understands this. I can’t tell D that I’m leaving to be with my dragon boyfriend in a place I know nothing about. That’s freaking crazy. D stops the credits and turns the lights on, coming back to sit with me.
“So, what’s got you all confused, sis?” He knows me so well. Oh D, I want to tell you everything, but you will think I’m crazy, and you would make sure I saw the best therapist money could buy. I have to do this right without tipping him off, telling part-truths and leaving out some parts.
“Draken wants to take the relationship to another level, and I don’t know if I can do it, or even if I want to,” I say.
“Sis, you want to. It’s all over your face every time you say his name, or when you are around him. It’s like looking at a very happy love movie, with you starring. So, what are you waiting for?”
“He wants me to move in with him and I just don’t want that, plus he’s not from here,” I say, really trying to be cautious with my words. It is so hard not to tell D the truth. We always tell each other the truth, no matter what.
“Okay, so he leaves for another country, Cess. You know I would come see you, this guy loves you, I was suspicious of him at first, but he is truly a good guy, and good for you. Besides, anybody can keep you smiling like that all the time, I say keep him.”
“D, I’m young and just finishing school, I’m not sure, but I think Draken wants marriage and I’m not ready for that. I mean, what if I never see you again because you’re working and I’m somewhere else.” I’m trying to keep from saying I would never see you again, but the words won’t come out. Then I would have to say he’s a dragon in another land, not earth, which would lead me back to I’m crazy. Where the hell do they think Draken goes when he is not in the business world? Oh, Mom did say it’s been rumored he owns islands, so that would explain that.
“Cess, you should go with your heart, if I’m ever that lucky to meet someone I love and they want me for me, not money or our name Lamil, I’m going to marry her before someone else gets a chance. Listen, we are always going to be able to communicate with each other, even if we don’t see each other every day.” I begin to let the tears fall “ Don’t cry, sis, I want you happy. Never give up being with the one you love for me, or anyone. Sometimes love only comes once in a lifetime, and you will be kicking yourself forever if you let him go, never
to meet another like him.”
“I’m sure I won’t meet another man like Draken, ever. I just . . . just don’t know, D. This is such a huge commitment and change for me. You really think Draken loves me that much?” I say, looking into my brother’s eyes and seeing the truth. He begins to wipe my face with his hand, and kisses my cheek, which makes me cry harder.
“I’m always going to be your brother, and no amount of distance can change that, Cess, not ever.”
“I love you, D. Thank you for talking with me.” I sniff into his shoulder. “Thanks for letting me watch your favorite movie, which I will still never tell.”
“I know, sis, I know.” D and I stay like this for a few more minutes, then he puts on another movie to watch, another good one, “Gladiator.” Russell Crowe can always cheer me up. We talk through the movie, saying what we would have done if we were in that story. These are the times I would miss. D has given me something to think about, but right now, I will enjoy my brother and Russell Crowe. I smile, and start on some more popcorn.
***
Finally, I’m done with school. That was a very hard exam. My parents, D and I are going to dinner tonight to celebrate. D and I are college graduates. My dad asked was Draken coming, but I told him he was out of town. I could not stand to sit at a table with Draken, knowing what I know about him. He is getting married, supposedly he cancelled, someone showed up like they are very familiar with one another, and he is a dragon. Which I could maybe get over, I’m still debating, but those women, that is a hard pill to swallow. Then thinking of D talking with me, I realize I do love Draken, and I think he loves me, too. I try to enjoy our time out, but I can’t focus on anything but Draken’s voice asking me to be with him. Then Showken comes and says he is going to die. I’m not sure if he is telling the truth or not. Finally I hear my father’s voice.
“Princess, where is your mind at? I called your name three times,” my father says.
“Maybe if you said “Cess,” I would have heard,” I say, out loud, but meaning to say in my head.
“What did you just say?” my father asks, in that no-nonsense tone.
“I’m sorry, Dad, just been thinking a lot.” I look up, giving him my “sorry” face.
“Okay, I understand. Draken said you guys have been discussing big issues between you two.”
“WHAT!” I yell. My mother nods her head in approval and smiles very sweetly at me. What the hell? When did this happen? “I mean, Dad, when did you talk with Draken?”
“This morning, Princess, and I’ve already said yes.”
“Yes to what?” I’m in shock right now, I can’t believe this is turning out this way. How did he talk with my father and not me? Well, I did say I wanted to be alone, but still.
“Darling, I think your father is trying to say, Draken asked for your hand in marriage and we both said yes. I’m so happy for you, I can’t believe my daughter is marrying Draken Draglen, I couldn’t have picked better,” my mother says, gleefully. I can’t believe this, he asked my parents if he could marry me and did not ask me. This keeps getting better. I bet he didn’t tell them he is a dragon and he wants me in another land I’ve never heard of, or the fact I could never see them again.
“I’m speechless, well, I need a glass of wine,” I say.
“Yes, let’s have a toast to my two wonderful kids and to your engagement.” my father signals the waiter.
“Wait, I’ve not been asked for marriage, and who said I would say yes?” I say, frowning at my father and mother. D keeps eating, a smirk on his face. Shit, he knew, too. Everyone has secrets from me. I can’t believe this is happening.
“Of course you will say yes, Princess, why would you say no?” my mother says, frowning slightly. “Besides, I’ve already reserved the country club for a few Saturdays, you can choose which one, of course,” she smiles again. Well, fuck me. They all seem to think this is okay, just to give me away. My mother thinks he is a dream come true. Well, he is a dream come true. He loves me so gently. He talks with me, getting to know me, and he loves me. Why would he talk with my father and not me, though?
“D, you are pretty quiet. What do you think about your sister getting married?” my father asks. D finally looks up and stares me right in the eye.
“I think Cess should be happy, and if he makes her happy, I’m happy.” D says. “Cess and I’ve already talked. She knows what I think, and she knows we will always be twins, and no distance will ever separate us,” My eyes water again. D’s opinion is so important to me. I can’t bear to think of never being able to see his handsome face again, eating my food and making fun of me. I love the bond he and I share.
“Princess, I would not say yes if I didn’t think Draken was a good catch. I love you, and you two have been inseparable for the last few months. I thought naturally you would want to. I mean, Draken is a little older, but not by much. You had to know he would want a wife,” my father says, while we all get a refill.
“Well, I thought I would have been asked first.”
“Nonsense, Draken knows tradition. It’s respectable to ask the father before asking the daughter. What if he asked you and I said no, then he’d be up shit creek.” He holds up his glass. “Now, lets have a toast.” I hesitantly hold my glass as my father begins his toast. I start to think of my time with Draken, being in the kitchen cooking with him, dancing together, walking around in the park. Laughing at Showken’s lame jokes was always a part of all our time together. Then, my mind drifts to all our sexual times together, and how he ran bath water for me, carrying me to the tub to soak and relax, such awesome times. I finally hear my father say, “To my Princess and her future husband.” We touch glasses and I sip my wine, feeling the need to run away to think. Could I leave and go be with Draken? Is it even possible to be with him? I’m not sure, I just can’t wait to get home. There is more talking to my mother about the wedding, and my father talking to D about his position at the company. I sit in a daze. I can’t wait to get home. Finally, my father is done, and we go to the car where my father’s driver, Jimmy, is waiting for us. We climb in and head for home. When we turn onto our street, and I see Draken’s house come into view, my heart beats a little faster and my hands become hot. I miss him. Draken is my heart, I love him so.
When we all get inside I walk to my room, where I have been kind of hoping I would see him waiting for me, as he often does. Now, I know he could get in easily because he has powers that allow him in without being seen. I get out of my dress and head for the shower, and then I smell him.
“Draken?” I look around and don’t see anyone, yet I know he is here. “Draken, just come out and talk with me,” I say out loud. Still there’s no response. “This is not funny, I’m saying I will talk with you, I mean you have talked with my parents, asked for my hand in marriage and never asked me.” I look around my room, under my bed, in the closet and still no response. “Answer me, damn it. I don’t have time for you and your dragon tricks.” That’s when I hear a growl. Shit, he must be sensitive about the dragon thing.
“Okay, sorry about that, but no need to growl at me, Draken, you don’t have to hide.” I wait a few more minutes. I go into the bathroom and start my shower. As the steam fogs the mirror, I see on it, “Princess, I love you, Draken.” Oh shit, he is here, or was.
“I love you, too, Draken, but love is not our problem, and you know this,” I say out loud, hoping he can hear me. I take my shower, and put on a nightshirt. I climb into bed, hoping to get a visit from Draken, but nothing. I cry all night. He is not letting me think and make the decision, he has already asked for my hand. I mean, he is still that ass I met on the first day. I still can’t believe he walked me off the property, now he is begging me to be with him. I will go to his house first thing in the morning and demand that one of his brothers go get him. For one, so I can prove Showken is a liar, and two, so I can chew him out about this entire situation. The morning is not going to come fast enough.
***
Finally the house is empty. I put on my clothes and head to Draken’s house. It feels like it was just yesterday. I wanted to see who was moving in. If I had listened to D, I would not be in a situation where I have to choose. Then, I would never have met Draken, and though he is an ass, and has got me into a hell of a predicament, I still love him. I make it to the door and start ringing the doorbell. I know someone is here. I wait and no one shows; I try the door, and it opens. I go in, yelling out Draken’s name. There are boxes everywhere. I guess they’re leaving with Draken.
“Draken, we need to talk,” I yell, heading for his room. I know he hears me, I hear a growl and it frightens me. Shit, maybe this was a bad idea. I move faster, I will feel safer in Draken’s room. I’m too far into the house to make a run for the door. I close the door when I get into his room, and call his name again. “Draken!” I yell. “I think one of your brothers is trying to scare me, or should I say has scared me, please Draken, I’m scared!” I hear the growl, and it’s his growl. It’s loud, like he is giving a command. “Thanks Draken, I know that was you, you told them not to scare me, didn’t you?” I see his bed and my body heats up, remembering all our lovemaking in this bed, the floor, his chair, against the wall, yes, that was really fun. I sit on his bed, lie back and began to cry. “Draken, why won’t you answer me? I know I said I can’t leave my family, but I don’t hate you.” The door opens.
“Draken?”
“No, Showken. Are you here to be with my brother?”
“Showken, was that you growling at me, you scared me. I want to talk with Draken.”
“Yes, it was me, Cess, sorry about that. I’m just pissed, but my brother corrected me. You can only see Draken if you accept-”
“Don’t scare me again, and accept what?”
“Cess, stop playing dumb, the lifetime with Draken. Coming to my land is what I want to hear. Will you save Draken, or will you be a coward and let my brother die for you?” Showken says, unsmiling. He’s serious.
The Draglen Brothers - DRAKEN (BK 1) Page 14